Customer Reviews

When the Whales Came [VHS]

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"When the Whales Came" is a must to see for anyone who likes nature, drama, folklore, history, and anything about Britain. Set on the remote island of Scylla, off Britain, the scenery of rolling water, sandy beaches, blue skies, and lush greenery is spectacular. The background music adds to the drama and sometimes sounds like noise being made by the whales themselves. The characters are lively, natural, and interesting and revolve around a hermit artist, the last surviving person from when the narwhal whales came the last time and were abused by the people of nearby Samson island, resulting in a curse. Two children, Daniel and Grace, befriend this "Birdman" hermit (Mr. Woodcock)and the drama is on. The movie is set during World War I and progresses from the early days of the war to the latter days and includes a happy surprise ending involving the children's fisherman father who goes off to fight for his country in France. This is a must see. Don't believe anyone who says they didn't like it. There is something for everyone in this film and adults and children alike will enjoy it.

This movie is truly lovely. I rented it about 3 years ago ( under a different title "When Narwhals Cry") and have been searching for it ( without luck ) ever since. I don't know why the title changed - but I'm delighted to find the movie at last! Anyone with feelings for nature or the sea will love this movie. It will stay with you - like a fond memory of someting you love. Buy this movie - and please discount Leonard Maltin's review - I doubt if he personally watched this movie before entering the review in his book.

David Souchet (PBS's "Poirot") finds himself in this production, sans moustache (yes that is him!). The director capatures the wild wind, water and landscape to perfectly match the melancholy of the presentation. The story must be followed carefully, however the 'mystery' of it all is revealed and comes to a happy ending.

The children are charming and wonderful to watch, and their relationships with each other and the old man and endearing. It's a good adventure story, and I'm surprised the official reviews weren't better.

I really had to hunt to find this video at a reasonable price. Luckily for me my hunt was a success and I am so pleased to own this classic movie with Helen Mirren.

Two children Daniel and Grace, on the remote island of Scylla, off Britain, befriend this deaf "Birdman" hermit (Mr. Woodcock)-the last surviving person from the time when the narwhal whales came & were abused by the people of nearby Samson island, resulting in a curse. Set throughout World War I, it is a hard time for the island people as they struggle together to survive and lift the curse.

The spectacular scenery of rolling water, sandy beaches, blue skies, and lush greenery is mesmerizing; the haunting music adds to the drama & is often reminiscent of the whales themselves. Adults and children alike will enjoy this film. In my library this is a must have.

I enjoyed this movie when I saw it years ago. I'd like to see it again, but of course, there is no DVD version available.

"When the Whales Came" is an unusual movie in that it is a delight to the eyes and ears, but the screenplay is so chopped that there is little to connect all of the dots.Essentially there is a story of the cursed Samson Island that is introduced at the outset and the people that had to leave it for the island of Bryher due to a curse that was caused when the people killed the whales.The little boy last to leave Samson is the narrator,Mr.Woodcock,who in his later years has become "The Birdman".Then you have the story of the two young children,Daniel and Gracie and their families.You also have the introduction of WW1 and that story.All of this is interesting,yet their is no cohesion for all of these stories except beautiful shots of the West English Isles and a superb soundtrack by Christopher Gunning. The print is extremely fuzzy and dark.No small wonder this film has yet to have a DVD release that would make it worth the money.There are possibilities and nothing more in this film.